102-year-old veteran recounts rallying the public during wartime

In an elderly-care center in Changsha, Hunan province, 102-year-old veteran Li Shufang greets visitors with a bright smile. She recalls the sacrifice and patriotism she witnessed all those years ago.

In 1938, the devastating Wenxi Fire incident destroyed the Yuxiang Textile Factory in Changsha, where she worked and lived, leaving her homeless and jobless overnight. She resolved to serve her country and become a soldier.

Two years later, the 16-year-old defied her family's objections and enlisted. Li was assigned to the Chunqiu Troupe, a group of theater performers under the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, to maintain the costumes and gear. She and her comrades endeavored to rally the public against Japanese aggression with performances and door-to-door visits.

"We went to each household every day, calling on young people to join the fight," Li recalls.

Life in wartime was harsh. Conscripts wore humble clothes and ate coarse rice with vegetable soup. They marched persistently, working to inspire young people to enlist and join the front.

On Aug 15, 1945, Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces, bringing an end to the war. Decades later, the veteran was awarded a commemorative medal for the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).

"Today, our country is strong. No one dares to bully us, and our people live happy and fulfilling lives," she said with pride, gently touching her medal and waiting for the 80th anniversary of that hard-won victory.